Organic clothes from EcoCreeper

eco-creeper-organic-cotton-hoodieEcoCreeper are a relatively new organic clothing company.

The company was created to produce trendy, but ‘green’ fashion for the entire family and to explore the myth that eco friendly clothing means you have to swan around in a kaftan or look like a hippy.

Their designs remind me a bit of Fat Face – a bit surf-like, a bit sporty, but all casual pieces for lounging around in with style.

I was sent one of their zip up hoodies to try.

The Good

Delivery time. The top arrived really quickly after me ordering it. I know patience is a virtue but in today’s climate of instant gratification quick delivery is an important objective for a company to put in place.

Packaging. My top arrived in an envelope with no extra packaging. The top wasn’t even in a plastic bag which gets a huge thumbs up from me as it means there is nothing for landfill.

Comfort. The top I was sent was made from organic cotton. It’s brushed on the inside making it soft and snuggly against the skin and means I can comfortably wear it over a t-shirt

Fit. Yay for EcoCreeper! Many brands drown me with far too generous cuts. Eco Creeper is just right. I don’t look like I’ve borrowed my husbands clothes and the cut is flattering with sleeves and body that are long enough!

Quality. In my time I’ve been sent some crap when it comes to clothing from companies that try to jump on the green bandwagon but do a half baked attempt. The quality of this top is what I would expect from a company with integrity; it’s thick, warm and should last a long time.

Eco Credentials. EcoCreeper boasts some impressive eco credentials, such as cotton that is 100% low-impact organic with 90% lower CO2 and certified by the Soil Association. Clothing is manufactured in a factory using renewable green energy generated from the wind power of thirty turbines and they adopt a ‘no airfreight’ policy.

Human rights. The entire range is labelled with the Earth Positive mark which complies with the criteria of the Fair Wear Foundation who promote fair labour conditions and audits suppliers. In addition, EcoCreeper divides 15% of its profits between two charities – The Fair Wear Foundation and The International Tree Foundation.

eco-creeper-organic-cotton-hoody

The Bad

Any colour, so long as it’s black. It’s not really a ‘bad’ point per se, but if you want a sweatshirt (there are 4 designs for ladies) then the only colour currently available is black. I don’t actually wear much black clothes, so would like to see a range of bright colours.

Black fluff. I wore this top over a white t-shirt the first time I wore it and my white t-shirt is no longer white. It is covered with black downy fluff which hasn’t washed out <sigh>.

The hood. Ok, I admit this is a weird ‘bad’ but the hood is really heavy! I don’t normally partake of wearing the hood up, to me they are just a fashion thing and not meant for serious use (although mr G insisted I pose with the hood up). but honestly, I know I’ve raved about how thick the material is and what great quality it is, but the hood does feel very heavy when it’s hanging down my back!

The ugly

The smell! I’ve been researching EcoCreeper online and am aware they are very particular about the fabrics they use but I’m not sure about the dyes. Something in that top smells very chemically and it even made my eyes prick and sting when I first wore the top. I had to take it off and put it outside on the line on a windy day to try and dissipate whatever it was I was reacting to.

Verdict

I think EcoCreeper hits the mark. There are lots of organic / fairtrade clothing companies out there and unfortunately a lot of the companies I have tried focus on the eco features but don’t think carefully about the clothes themselves. I’ve been sent stuff that looks like a rag after one wash because the material is pitifully thin and the clothes stretch out of shape.

I washed the top inside out, on a cool wash with non bio laundry liquid and a low spin to help keep its shape but EcoCreeper’s PR tell me I needn’t be that careful in future; apparently it’s good to go at 40 degrees with regular laundry products.

For a new company, EcoCreeper are off to a great start and I’m looking forward to seeing more colours and ranges available in the future.

Disclosure. I was sent a Heart Sleeve Womens Black Zipped Sweat Top in exchange for writing this review.

2 Comments

  1. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking on April 4, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    This was a great review. I had not heard of this company but they sound like they are worth checking out. I can’t stand to wear anything that has a chemical smell so I am really glad that you put that in your review.



  2. Mrs Green on April 5, 2011 at 8:23 am

    @Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking: No worries; I always write an honest review – the good, the bad and the ugly!